Unemployment rates for January were higher in Hancock, Seneca and Wood counties than they were in December, the state reported.

Seneca County’s unemployment rate rose to 7.2 percent in January, an increase from 6.5 percent in December. Hancock County’s unemployment rate rose slightly in January to 5.7 percent, up from 5.2 percent in December. Wood County’s unemployment rate went up from 6.3 percent in December to 6.8 percent in January.

Hancock County’s rate was the sixth lowest in Ohio for January.

Unemployment rates increased that month among most neighboring counties from a month earlier. January rates, with December jobless rates in parentheses, were as follows: Allen County, 7.6 percent (6.9 percent); Hardin, 7.1 (6.5); Henry, 8.1 (7.2); Putnam, 6.5 (5.7); and Wyandot, 6.8 (5.9).

Ohio’s unemployment rate was 6.9 percent for January, down from 7.1 percent in December.